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“Oh, I think that’s a terrible idea.” I frowned. “You know, the whole fraternization policy.” I bit my cheek and moved to pass her inthehall.
“That’s too bad. Ty invited Harry to join us for lunch so he wouldn’t have to eat alone. You know, since Drew is still in the hospital.” She released an exaggerated sigh. “I wouldn’t want him to feel like the thirdwheel…”
I knew she’d paused intentionally, and I shifted uncomfortably as I tried to figure out how to rescind my refusal. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt this once. I mean, since it’s not just us.” I shrugged and looked away to hide myembarrassment.
Kate grinned. “I thought you might be interested.” Then she looped an arm through mine. “So, the guys are waiting for usdownstairs.”
I frowned. “Their breakfast tookthatlong?”
She shook her head. “Oh, no. Apparently, they barely ate breakfast, but they wandered around talking. They had never really enjoyed the gardens or the fountains, and I think there was a gondola ride in theresomewhere.”
I snorted. “The two of them in a gondola. I’d have paid money toseethat.”
“Right?” Kate chuckled. “Let’s hear them out before we tease them mercilessly.” She seemed so happy. There was a bounce in her step as we walked through the elevator doors and Kate hit the button for thelobby.
“Nothing happened with Harry,” I murmured quietly as I stared at the floor. Then I glanced at her to see herreaction.
Her brow furrowed. “Okay. You’re an adult. What you do is your business.” She laid a hand on her chest. “I’m in no place to judge anyone. The minute I met Ty, I was a goner.” A smile spread across her face. “Listen. I didn’t say anything to my husband because he has his own ideas, but I thought you might be perfect for Harry. I don’t know him well, yet, but what I do know tells me he’s a good guy, especially if nothing happened between you lastnight.”
My cheeks burned and I rubbed my hands together anxiously. “He bought me clothes. He let me use his shower. And then when I was done, I discovered he’d ordered room service.” I shook my head. “We flirted. There may have been a kiss or two, but that’s it. I’m not some common whore.” I blew out a breath. “I didn’t mean...Dammit.”
Kate chuckled. “I know I’m no whore. Sometimes…you just know. You know?” She pressed the back of her hand against her lips and I guessed she was remembering something about herhusband.
“Actually, I don’t know. I’ve never known. I’ve barely dated.” I frowned. “This is crazy. I shouldn’t bedoingthis.”
The doors opened and I stood there, making no move to exit. Kate’s brow rose. “You go, I go,wego.”
“And if I don’t go?” Myheadhung.
“I’ll have lunch with you upstairs. We’ll order in.” She shrugged like it was nobigdeal.
“Why would you do that?” My mind struggled to process herwords.
“You spend too much time alone, Miss Jenner. You’re in a new town. You are surrounded by new people.” She looped her arm through mine again. “Vegas is the perfect place to leave your past behind. Reinvent yourself. Let itallgo.”
I inhaled deeply as I considered her words. Then I let her drag me out into the lobby. There was something bubbling inside me. The first time I noticed it was last night, when Harry and I settled in for our late dinner on the floor. This morning, before my shower, the feeling became more insistent, but was so unfamiliar, I couldn’t name it if pressed. Now, however, I felt more comfortable with it, this hope inside me. Maybe I didn’t need to keep up my defenses to prevent a repeat of my mother’s mistakes. Maybe I just needed to let go of my fears in order to lethopegrow.
“Theretheyare.”
I lifted my head in time to see Harry and Mr. George briskly walking toward us. Unfortunately, my spirits fell the moment my eyes met Harry’s. He looked positively miserable. His brow was furrowed, his shoulders were rounded like he was carrying the weight of the world on them. If I had any doubts as to how troubled he felt, I merely had to glance at the deep frown on his face. “I should go,” I announced as I yanked my arm out of Kate’s. I started to spin away, but Harry and Tyreachedus.
“Hello, gorgeous.” Ty wrapped Kate inhisarms.
Something about their obvious affection for each other made me freeze in my tracksandsigh.
“Hi,” Harrymuttered.
“Listen, I can leave.” I jerked my thumb over my shoulder at the elevator. “I’ll let you hang with your friends and I’ll just go back to work.” I started to move, but I passed when I saw the pleading look in his eyes. “Oh, it’snotme?”
“It’s most definitely not you.” He shook his head. “Although this will impact you, I’m afraid.” Harry scowled at Mr.George.
“Stop being so negative. I told you I’d help.” Mr. George rolledhiseyes.
“Yeah. And I’ve known you our whole lives. I know how your help works. Mostly, it doesn’t.” He narrowed his eyes at his friend before reaching out to take my hand. “It’s not my idea. I’m sorry.” He laced his fingers through mine and squeezedgently.
“Why are you apologizing?” I tilted my head as Istudiedhim.
“I have this horrible feeling I’m about to disappoint you,” hewhispered.
